Hickory Campground

**🌅 Introduction / Overview**

Nestled within the expansive and highly popular **Clinton Lake** recreational area, **Hickory Campground** offers Kansans a perfect blend of peaceful nature and accessible amenities just a stone's throw from Lawrence. Hickory is situated within the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) **Bloomington East Park**, recognized as the COE's largest and most developed park at Clinton Lake. It’s a cherished destination for those seeking beautiful lakeside views, abundant wildlife—including the frequently spotted deer—and a break from the hustle of city life.

Hickory Campground is particularly valued for its **variety of affordable camping options**, ranging from simple non-electric sites (ideal for tents or self-contained vans) to modern utility sites. This versatility makes it appealing to budget-conscious travelers and long-term campers alike, who appreciate the secure, well-maintained environment. The atmosphere here is one of quiet relaxation, perfect for enjoying the scenic beauty of the steep bluffs, wooded shoreline, and the clean water of Clinton Lake. Whether you’re a family setting up a home base for a weekend of swimming and hiking or a solo traveler seeking a safe, picturesque overnight spot, Hickory Campground delivers a premium Kansas outdoor experience.

**🗺️ Location and Accessibility**

Hickory Campground is enviably situated in the Bloomington East Park on the western side of **Clinton Lake**, just a few miles southwest of the historic city of Lawrence, Kansas.

Address: N 1182 Rd, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA

Its location makes it exceptionally convenient for residents of Northeast Kansas, being easily accessible via Clinton Parkway and less than an hour's drive from the Kansas City metropolitan area. The park roads are paved and clearly signed, allowing for smooth travel for all RV sizes. Hickory, along with the adjacent Cedar Ridge and Walnut loops, benefits from being directly near **Bloomington Beach** and several boat ramps. While the site provides a deep woods feeling with plentiful shade from oak and hickory trees, essential city services, groceries, and medical facilities in Lawrence are just a 10 to 15-minute drive away. This proximity to urban amenities while being immersed in nature is a significant advantage for families and long-term campers who make Hickory Campground their seasonal retreat.

**✨ Services Offered (Bloomington East Park)**

Hickory Campground and the surrounding Bloomington East Park provide an extensive list of well-maintained facilities and services, ensuring a comfortable and worry-free camping trip.

• **Campsite Utility Options:** Sites in the Hickory/Walnut area include both **non-electric sites** (ideal for tents/vans) and sites offering **electric and water hookups** (30 amp and 50 amp service available in the area).
• **Modern Sanitation:** **Flush toilets and hot showers** are available in the centrally located restroom buildings within the Bloomington East Park campgrounds.
• **Sanitary Services:** A **trailer dump station** is conveniently located nearby for easy disposal of grey and black water.
• **Recreational Amenities:** Picnic tables and fire rings/grills are provided at every campsite.
• **Reservations:** Many sites in the Hickory area are **reservable** through the federal recreation system (Recreation.gov), allowing Kansans to plan their trips well in advance.
• **Accessible Features:** The COE and State Park grounds offer **accessible facilities**, including flush toilets and accessible fishing docks.
• **Fee Policies:** COE fees are charged based on the level of utility hookups, offering non-electric sites at the lowest price point (making it an excellent budget-friendly choice).

**🏞️ Features / Highlights**

Camping at Hickory Campground is highlighted by the exceptional recreational features of the surrounding Clinton Lake area, making it an outdoor enthusiast's paradise.

• **Clinton Lake Recreation:** The 7,000-surface-acre Clinton Lake offers unparalleled opportunities for **boating, jet skiing, sailing, and fishing**. The lake is well-stocked with crappie, walleye, channel catfish, and white bass.
• **Bloomington Beach:** The campground is directly adjacent to **Bloomington Beach**, a large, sandy swimming area perfect for families, complete with sand volleyball courts and picnic shelters.
• **Extensive Trail Systems:** Visitors have access to **over 50 miles of trails** around Clinton Lake, including the North Shore, South Shore, and George Latham Trails, which are open for **hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian use**.
• **Wildlife Viewing:** The natural, wooded setting is ideal for **wildlife viewing**, with regular sightings of white-tailed deer (a common highlight for guests), wild turkey, and various bird species, including bald eagles during the winter.
• **Recreation Fields:** Several areas in Bloomington East Park feature **playgrounds, horseshoe pits, and sand volleyball courts**.
• **Accessible Fishing Dock:** A **covered, accessible fishing dock** is available within a short walk or drive of the campgrounds.
• **Disc Golf:** The area features two courses—an **18-hole and a 9-hole disc golf course**—a popular feature among local Kansas recreationists.

**☎️ Contact Information**

The Hickory Campground area is primarily managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE), and the State Park provides additional amenities. The phone number listed is for the COE's Clinton Lake Project Office.

Address: N 1182 Rd, Lawrence, KS 66047, USA

COE Project Office Phone: (785) 843-7665

Reservations: Sites are typically reserved online through the federal recreation reservation system.

**⭐ What is Worth Choosing**

For Kansans, choosing **Hickory Campground** is choosing the **perfect blend of nature, recreation, and value** at one of the state's premier lakes. It is the best choice for those seeking a **safe, beautiful, and highly functional camping base** without the steep cost of private RV resorts. The campground's location in Bloomington East Park grants you immediate access to **Bloomington Beach** and the extensive **hiking and biking trails** surrounding Clinton Lake—a resource unmatched in the region.

The flexibility of site options, from simple non-electric spots (ideal for vans and tenters looking for a quiet, low-cost stay) to utility sites, ensures there is a comfortable option for every budget. Furthermore, the constant presence of wildlife like deer and the stunning views of the lake (including the beautiful full moon views mentioned by visitors) cement Hickory’s reputation as a restorative retreat. If your priority is affordable, family-friendly camping with excellent fishing, swimming, and trail access near the cultural hub of Lawrence, Hickory Campground at Clinton Lake should be at the top of your Kansas list.